Health care REITs are not popular with investors right now. A dramatic increase in market volatility, fear over rising interest rates, and operator concerns have weighed on the sector lately. I expect this REIT to maintain its dividend payout over the short haul, but income investors need to closely watch the REIT's dividend coverage trend. Shares are selling for a low run-rate AFFO multiple as the market has turned bearish on health care REITs. An investment in the stock yields 9.8 percent.
Valuations of major health care REITs including Senior Housing Properties Trust (SNH) have taken a major hit. Should investors take the plunge and go long now? Senior Housing Properties is a health care real estate investment trust that has grown its portfolio value to $8.7 billion. The REIT invests in independent, assisted living and skilled-nursing facilities, medical office and life science buildings. Senior Housing Properties' real estate facilities are located in 42 states and Washington, D.C., and the REIT had 675 tenants in its lease portfolio at the end of December quarter.